Wistrick, John Henry 1848-1927

WISTRICK, BENTE, MULLER, KLINK, TIEDEN, LEONARD, HEUER, BEHN

Posted By: S. Ferrall - IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 7/2/2017 at 17:03:08

Henry Wistrick, an aged and respected citizen of Elkader, passed away at his home on Monday, the last day of February, at 4 o'clock in the morning, having attained the age of 78 years, 8 months and 10 days.

John Henry, son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Wistrick, was born at Gross Gussborn, province of Hanover, on the 18th day of June, 1848. there he spent his childhood days, and after having attended school the customary number of years, he learned the carpenter trade. At the age of twenty years he came to this country, and for about one year worked at his trade in Elmhurst, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. In 1869 he came to Clayton County, and made his home with relatives, the Behn family, in Cox Creek township. After having worked at his trade for about a year, he came to Elkader, finding employment as cabinet-maker in the Grothewohl establishment.

On the 20th day of July, 1873, he was married to Marie Bente, of Cox Creek township. The young couple started house-keeping on the old Bente farm, which was to be their home for the next 40 years.

Seven children were born to this union, of which two died in infancy. For fifteen years, Fred Wistrick, who had come over from the old country, made his home with uncle and aunt Wistrick and was considered and treated as one of the family.

Fourteen years ago Mr. and Mrs. Wistrick decided to give up active farm life. Leaving their only son, William, in charge of the farm, they came to Elkader [next several words are illegible] house, which has been their home ever since.

While yet on the farm, Mr. Wistrick had been Secretary of the Communia creamery, Assessor fo Cox Creek township, and Secretary of the Communia Fire Insurance Co. And of late years, although retired from active farm life, he was never a man of leisure, but always very active, seeking and finding his greatest enjoyment in doing something for someone somewhere.

Aside from the fact that he was afflicted with that malady called "hay-fever" for a number of years, causing much distress at that specific time of the year, he was blessed with a rugged constitution, knowing very little of sickness, until on the 18th day of October of last year, when he had the misfortune of falling, which in the course of time proved to be more serious than anticipated at first. Although receiving the best of care, there seemed to be very little change for the better in his condition, which perhaps was less surprising when his advanced years were taken into consideration. Finally a complication of ailments, together with a touch of pneumonia, proved to be too much for the already weakened constitution, and the small amount of vitality yet remaining. Sunday afternoon the patient had a sinking spell. Although reviving from same, and being conscious all the while, the expected end came at 4 o'clock on Monday morning.

He is survived by his faithful wife, Marie, who had shared with him life's joys and sorrows for almost fifty-four years. On July 20th, 1923 the aged couple had been privileged to celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary, at the beautiful Elkader Fair Grounds, an event long to be remembered by all present.

He also leaves five children, Mrs. Chas. Muller, Cox Creek township; Mrs. Louis Klink, Motor; Mrs. Jansey Tieden, Whitewater, Montana; Wm., on the home farm; and Mrs. Ed Leonard, of Elkader; 15 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Mary Heuer of Gothenberg, Nebraska; and other relatives and a host of friends.

Having held offices in various organizations, he naturally came into contact with many people, and was highly honored and respected because of his pleasant disposition and unwavering integrity. He surely will be missed, not only by the family, but also by many others.

Funeral services were held from the late home and the Evangelical church yesterday afternoon and interment was made in the East Side cemetery with Rev. C.H. Franke officiating.

~Elkader Register and Clayton County Messenger, Thursday evening, March 3, 1927

Clayton Obituaries maintained by Sharyl Ferrall.
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